When traveling, knowing where your dog will be welcome is essential. Here are some pet-friendly options, general travel tips, and how My Pet’s Vet veterinarians can help.
Pet-Friendly Restaurants for On-the-Go Eats
Shake Shack - With over 400 locations globally, Shake Shack is known for its dog-friendly patios and special dog treats. It stands out for being exceptionally dog-friendly.
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar - With 48 locations from Pennsylvania to California, we're sure there is a location near or coming near you. The Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar offers a dog menu and outdoor seating areas for pets.
Panera Bread - With over 2,000 locations across the U.S., Panera might be the most widely available option for you and your dog.
Starbucks - While dogs aren't allowed inside, many Starbucks locations have pet-friendly outdoor seating areas. You can order a "Puppuccino" (a small cup of whipped cream) for your dog, but check with your vet first.
In-N-Out Burger - With approximately 400 locations nationwide, In-N-Out Burger is sure to have a pet-friendly location near you.
It's important to note not all locations can accommodate your dog and family. These are only a few nationally known brands; finding other pet-friendly locations is as easy as quickly searching locations near you. Keep in mind that many, if not all, pet-friendly options are typically limited to patio and other similar outdoor areas, but this may not be the case for every location, even among national brands, so call ahead to make sure your dog is welcomed.
Pet-Friendly Hotels for Every Budget
Kimpton Hotels - With more than 76 pet-friendly locations in over 50 cities, Kimpton Hotels is known for being extremely pet-friendly. They provide various pet amenities to ensure pets are comfortable during their stay with no additional fees. These amenities include pet beds, food and water bowls, mats, and waste bags. Some locations may also offer treats and toys for pets.
La Quinta by Wyndham - With over 900 locations across North, Central, and South America, La Quinta has a location near you. Plus, most locations allow up to two pets per room with no additional fees, making it a budget-friendly choice for pet owners. They provide convenient pet relief areas and often offer amenities like waste bags to ensure a comfortable stay for pets and their owners.
Loews Hotels - With 27 destinations to choose from, you can't go wrong. Many locations offer the Loews Loves Pets program, which includes welcome gifts like bowls, mats, and pet treats. They also provide specialized services such as pet walking, pet sitting, and even a room service menu for pets, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for pet owners and their furry companions.
Aloft Hotels - With more than 130 locations worldwide, Aloft Hotels welcomes dogs of up to 40 pounds with no additional fees. The Company offers the ARF (Animals R Fun) program, which includes complimentary amenities such as a dog bed, bowl, and special treat to ensure pets feel right at home.
Best Western - With over 1,200 pet-friendly locations, Best Western allows up to two pets per room and offers designated pet-friendly rooms with reasonable fees. They provide pet beds, waste bags, and convenient pet relief areas to ensure a comfortable stay for pets and their owners.
Hilton Hotels & Resorts - With close to 6,000 pet-friendly locations, Hilton welcomes dogs with amenities like pet beds, bowls, and waste bags. It offers various services to ensure pets are comfortable, including designated pet relief areas and access to local pet resources such as veterinarians and pet stores.
Red Roof Inn - Allowing one “well-behaved” pet per room at no additional charge at more than 600 locations. Red Roof Inn provides designated pet relief areas and ensures that pets can stay comfortably with their owners without any hidden fees or size restrictions.
Motel 6 - With more than 1,400 pet-friendly locations, Motel 6 accommodates up to two pets per room with no additional fees, regardless of their size or breed. It provides convenient pet relief areas and a comfortable stay for pets and their owners, making it an affordable choice for travelers with pets.
Pet policies are as varied as the hotel options listed here. You must call your intended location and inquire about their pet policy. You'd be surprised to learn that many locations may or may not strictly adhere to the pet policy posted online. Locations may have fees, perks, or services that are not listed.
Pet-Friendly Airlines
You may have noticed that flying with your pet has gotten more complicated, and you might wonder why. You may have seen plenty of space on a flight, or maybe you flew with your furry companion a few years ago, but things have changed. Most, if not all, airlines have limited the ability to travel with your dog unless your dog can fly in a cabin and in a carrier that will fit under the seat in front of you. You may be out of luck if you have a large, firm, or snub-nosed breed.
Alaska Airlines is known for its comprehensive pet travel program. It offers options for pets to travel in the cabin, as checked baggage, or in cargo for active U.S. Military or U.S. State Department Foreign Service Offices traveling with active permanent change of station orders, focusing on comfort and safety.
American Airlines allows small pets to travel in the cabin on most flights and has a dedicated temperature-controlled cargo hold for larger pets. They provide specific guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of pets during the journey.
Delta allows small pets to travel in the cabin on most flights. Still, cargo travel has been suspended until further notice unless the pet is for active U.S. Military or U.S. State Department Foreign Service Offices traveling with active permanent change of station orders.
JetBlue's JetPaws program offers a pet-friendly travel experience, including an exclusive pet carrier and travel tips. It also provides TrueBlue points for pet travel and a dedicated in-cabin space for pets. Unfortunately, large breeds need not apply. Your dog and its carrier cannot weigh more than 20 pounds and must fly in cabin.
Southwest allows small vaccinated pets to travel in-cabin on domestic flights for a reasonable fee. They emphasize a straightforward, no-fuss approach to pet travel, with clear policies and affordable pricing.
United's PetSafe program has been suspended but still allows small pets to travel in the cabin on most flights. Pets flying as cargo are limited to active U.S. Military or U.S. State Department Foreign Service Offices traveling with active permanent change of station orders.
Please get in touch with each airline for their specific pet travel guidelines, processes, procedures, and pet-friendly perks. Ask about costs, temperature-controlled facilities for large pets or breeds, what training staff undergo, what health and safety checks need to be completed, what tracking and monitoring is done or offered, and what special accommodations pets receive.
Traveling by Plane
Know Your Airline Pet Regulations: Before booking your flight, check the airline’s pet policy. Each airline has specific regulations regarding pet travel, including crate size and health requirements.
Get an Appropriately Sized Crate: Use an airline-approved travel crate that is well-ventilated and large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Label the crate with your contact information and destination details.
Acclimate Your Dog: Before the trip, allow your dog to spend time in the travel crate at home to familiarize it with it. Familiarizing your dog with its crate will help reduce stress during the flight.
General Travel Tips
Keep updated Health Documentation: Carry a copy of your dog's health records, including vaccination certificates and any medications they may need during the trip. Skip the paper and keep a digital copy on your phone or phone-accessible cloud storage like Google Docs, Microsoft OneDrive, or Dropbox.
Prioritize Hydration and Nutrition: Keep your dog hydrated and bring their regular food to avoid gastrointestinal upset. Pack collapsible bowls for easy feeding and drinking on the go and forgo bowls and food provided by pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, and carriers.
Have an Emergency Plan: Research veterinary clinics along your travel route and destination. Knowing where to go in an emergency can provide peace of mind.
How My Pets Vet Can Help You Prepare for Traveling with Your Dog
At My Pets Vet, we pride ourselves on our expertise in ensuring safe and stress-free travel for your dog. Our comprehensive services are designed to make your pet's journey as smooth as possible:
Pre-Travel Health Check: Our veterinarians provide thorough health evaluations and ensure your dog is up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations and preventive care. This includes a comprehensive physical examination, a review of vaccination records, and a discussion of specific health concerns related to your travel plans. We will also provide you with a detailed health certificate for your dog's travel.
Securing your Dog’s Travel Health Certificates: We can issue health certificates required for air travel and guide you on meeting specific airline or travel destination regulations.
Catching up on Preventive Care: We offer preventive treatments for heartworm, fleas, ticks, and other travel-related health risks. Our team will recommend the best products for your dog's needs.
Getting Behavioral Support: For dogs that experience travel anxiety, we can provide behavioral consultations and recommend anxiety-reducing strategies or medications.
Planning for Pet Emergencies: We can help you create a comprehensive emergency plan, including identifying veterinary clinics along your route and destination. This thorough preparation can provide you with peace of mind during your travels.
Getting the right Travel Supplies: My Pets Vet can recommend and supply travel essentials for your dog, such as appropriate crates, seat belts, and comfort items.
Schedule your Pre and Post Travel Appointments Today:
If you plan to travel with your dog, schedule an appointment with My Pets Vet to ensure your pet is ready. Our compassionate and knowledgeable veterinarians are here to support you in providing the best care for your traveling companion. By following these expert tips and utilizing the services of My Pets Vet, you can have a safe, comfortable, and memorable travel experience with your dog. Safe travels, and we hope to see you soon!
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